The centrepiece is a moderately sized swimming pool set between a pair of two-storey stacks of shipping containers painted yellow and orange. A mixed six-bed dorm room is situated on an upper floor off a hallway, so no pool view, and relies on a few clean hot-water bathrooms found on the same floor. Bunks with thick mattresses, private reading lamps and electrical outlets are stacked close together in the narrow container. Dorms weren’t advertised on the hotel’s website or booking sites, so just show up and ask for one if interested.

Several private rooms start with a “retro mini” that’s cramped but comfortable and equipped with soft double bed, TV, fridge and disproportionately spacious bathroom. More cash bags you a room with tinted glass windows opening to a private balcony, some of which have direct pool access. A few larger but darker rooms are also found in a neighbouring concrete building, including one with a Jacuzzi near the bed. Dark-grey walls, hardwood floors and abstract paintings in warm colours add to the stylish feel of the property.

A large roofed deck fronts one side of the pool, with several tables, a book exchange and foosball table. There’s also a small bar and cafe, where a couple of young Thai guests were teaching basic Thai phrases to a foreign backpacker when we passed through. Staff was friendly and WiFi is free.

The location is just east of Euro Boutique Hotel and within a 10-minute walk of the train station, night market and Surat Thani minibus stop. The nearby Salsa Hostel is another fine option with slightly cheaper dorms and larger but more dated private rooms in a converted shophouse.

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